COAST RECORDS 504

JACK HAMMONS

Apr 54 (BMI clearance on 4th May 1954)

504-A - Tomorrows Goodbyes    (Starrite BMI)

(Johnny Skiles / Jack Hammons)

504-B - Substitute For Love    (Starrite BMI)

(Johnny Skiles / Jack Hammons)

COAST RECORDS 504

Los Angeles, CA

The A side is a weepy hillbilly with fiddle and Steel gtr being the predominant instruments. B side is slightly faster. Jack Hammons hailed from Monroe, Louisiana and was heard singing by Col. Tom Parker as Elvis’ soon-to-be-manager drove through Monroe. Jack was singing a number of songs that were penned by himself and Johnny Skiles, who was his brother-in-law, and the Colonel quickly contacted Starday to arrange a recording session for him. (“Mr Cupid” / “That’s The Way To Fall In Love” - STARDAY 197). Johnny Skiles recorded for Honee-B and Corvette Records amongst others and probably moved up to the west coast sometime after these recordings. (See Corvette 672 later on.) As an aside, Skiles also recorded for Jimmie O’Neals’ Rural Rhythm Label (See Coast 500). (MC / Dick Grant / Al Turner).


Sad news, Jack passed away aged 83 on 24th October 2011. Apparently, Jack performed on a show in West Monroe that featured a young Elvis Presley! Oh how I'd love to have found out what Jack thought about this "New Kid On The Block"  (with thanks to Scott Walker)

Any info? malcychapman@mac.com

Label Shots: Phil Tricker